Overhead power lines claim two bird victims

Published:10:55Thursday 14 April 2011

wHAT great weather it is now with all the birds busy nesting. In our garden the birds are visiting the feeders and then gathering up bits of straw, feathers and twigs to take back with them to the building sites.

We have plenty of nest boxes in safe sites for the blue tits but every year they nest in a hole in our stable wall. We could never cement it up and disappoint any new nest builders as the site is very successful.

We have had a few incidents where birds have collided with power lines. Dick was called out to Milfield, to a swan that had been reported lying under cables. The poor bird was dead, but we are always willing to go and check any bird lying under power lines as occasionally the birds have survived.

Another bird brought in after having hit overhead cables of some kind was a pink footed goose, but it had such a badly smashed wing and shoulder that it had to be put to sleep.

Repairs to the big aviary are still ongoing but as soon as they are completed David will try the peregrine in it to check its flight and to find out exactly how well it is able to see.

The bird came in blind but it has some sight, we just don’t know how much, and it will not be able to be released until we are sure it can hunt well enough to feed itself.

When I phoned David this morning to find out if anything interesting had happened he told me it had been a quiet week. I hesitate to commit this comment to print as it is sure to prove the following week to be just the opposite.

We are hoping to set the date of our AGM this week when we shall have an open day and film show followed by the official AGM meeting. It proved successful last year despite a hiccup with the computerised film show.

I hope to have a load of new photos for this year. We shall also have for sale some items featuring Pat Grout’s lovely artwork. She supported the trust from the very beginning and we are happy to commemorate her work for us by reproducing her lovely paintings.

Terry, our computer whizz-kid, (he’s my younger brother but not that much younger) is working on a link from our website to make it easier for people to donate to the trust.

Keep checking the site because it has lots of information and a link so that you can contact us if you need advice.

We have a lot of calls and e-mails from people who are just not sure what to do when finding a bird or animal or how to feed wildlife and we are always pleased to help.

We have had contact with individuals from as far away as the USA. I must admit it still fascinates me that we can write and receive a reply from someone in just a couple of minutes and feel a bond with these contacts in their need to help a suffering animal or bird.

It is very satisfying to know you have helped and they feel (so they tell me) pleased that someone else cares enough to help.

PAT GOFF

Should you find an animal in need of our services, or if you need advice please phone H.Q. on (01289) 302882. We are happy to help. You can also e-mail via our website www.swan-trust.org. We are also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/swantrust.

If you would like to donate to the Trust (cheques payable to B.S.W.T.),or to become a member please contact the treasurer, Derek Roughton. Yew Tree Cottage, Branton, Alnwick, NE66 4LW. Telephone (01665) 578365.

The Berwick Swan and Wildlife Trust is a registered charity in England No. 1064805.